Steve Backshall For New BBC Two Series

Steve Backshall is to star in a new two-part series for BBC Two, it has been announced.

The programmes, Steve Backshall's Extreme Mountain Challenge (w/t), will see the adventurer exploring Venezuela's tepuis – the ancient mountains of Canaima National Park.

Alongside a team of expert rock climbers, Backshall will attempt the first ascent of a remote and unclimbed tepui in an effort to search for wildlife on the summit. The expedition, which will last for a month, will see him and a team scaling untouched mountain cliffs, caving inside the tepuis and abseiling off the highest waterfall in the world. However, they will face freak weather, rock fall and dangerous wildlife along the way.

Steve Backshall said: "I went to Venezuela looking for adventure. Turned out, I got a whole lot more than I bargained for! Filming this series was simply unforgettable. Some of the wildlife I saw, I've been waiting a lifetime to see and can be found nowhere else on the planet. It was also one of the most challenging expeditions I've been on; it's a bit of a white-knuckle ride from start to finish."

Adam Barker, Acting Channel Editor for BBC Two, added: "BBC Two is always looking for new ways to expand our audience's horizons, whether through our foreign affairs coverage or through adventurous travel content such as this series, and I'm therefore delighted that Steve Backshall is coming to the channel to take on one of his toughest challenges yet. Following Steve and his team as they battle against nature and the elements, this is a totally gripping new series that also reveals a stunningly beautiful and remote part of the world."

Martin Davidson, Head of Commissioning for Specialist Factual, BBC, commented: "This series is an utterly thrilling adventure as Steve and the team of experienced climbers attempt to tackle the untouched tepui, the beautiful vertical mountains of Venezuela. With lots of unexpected twists, turns and near misses – their journey is truly gripping. Along the way, Steve encounters many unique species of wildlife – from the wandering spider to the tarantula hawk wasp. I'm delighted to have Steve Backshall on BBC Two with this brilliant series."

Steve Backshall's Extreme Mountain Challenge (w/t) is a two-part 60-minute series for BBC Two.

The executive producer is Jonathan Renouf. Ben Lawrie is Producer/Director.

www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre

(JP/LM)